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American University

Washington, DC·Private nonprofit·7,266 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students considering a private nonprofit institution in District of Columbia. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $67,700 within 10 years; strong 75% graduation rate.

62%
Accept
7,266
Students
$41,943
Net Price
75%
Grad Rate
$67,700
Earnings
10 yr
$22,750
Debt

About This School

American University is a private nonprofit institution located in Washington, District of Columbia with approximately 7,266 undergraduate students enrolled. American University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 62%. The average net price after financial aid is $41,943 per year. The graduation rate is 75%, and the typical graduate earns $67,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

The American University is a private federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C., United States. Its main campus spans 90 acres on Ward Circle, in the Spring Valley and Tenleytown neighborhoods of Northwest D.C.

Situated in Washington, DC, this is a strong option for students drawn to politics, international relations, or public policy — the location genuinely opens doors that most campuses can't match. The numbers tell a reasonably encouraging story: median earnings of $67,700 at 10 years and a relatively modest $19,500 median debt suggest graduates aren't drowning financially. The main concern is the $41,945 average net price, which is steep for a school with a 47% acceptance rate, so compare your actual aid package carefully before committing.

Founded
1893
Setting
Large city
Religious Affiliation
Wesleyan
Avg Faculty Salary
$13,722

Popular Programs

Social Sciences36%
Business & Marketing13%
Communications7%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Psychology4%
Health Professions3%
Biological Sciences3%
Computer Science2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Goldie HawnAmerica FerreraIván DuqueSean AstinPaul RyanBarry LevinsonCass ElliotAlice PaulJulius Maada BioPetra KellyHenry RollinsLuis Gómez

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1381
Reading 75th %ile740
Math 75th %ile720

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite31

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$58,771
Out-of-State Tuition
$58,771
Avg Net Price
$41,943
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$23,233
$30–48k$20,444
$48–75k$26,035
$75–110k$30,063
$110k+$53,673

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants14%
Median debt at graduation$22,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
75%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
88%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$67,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$22,750
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$47,600
Female graduates$46,100

Gap: 3% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$22,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$46,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$67,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White56%
Black8%
Hispanic/Latino14%
Asian7%
Two or more races6%
International5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (7,266 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

American University

4400 Massachusetts Ave NW

Washington, DC 20016-8001

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in District of Columbia

Browse all District of Columbia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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